Interview with Reason Cartoonist Peter Bagge

Peter Bagge is the preeminent libertarian cartoonist. An intelligent, anti-authoritarian streak runs throughout his canon, especially in his hit comic book from the 1990s, HATE, a hilarious and politically incorrect series focusing on the semi-autobiographical slacker-misanthrope Buddy Bradley. Bagge frequently contributes his own brand of "cartoon journalism" to the pages of Reason magazine where he also serves as a Contributing Editor.

Bagge discusses how he came to define his libertarian political worldview at a young age, and laments his frustration at being an artist who's political views are frequently mischaracterized as "right wing" by other artists, simply for failing to be in lock-step with the rest of the predominantly progressive-left art world.

He also discusses a recent Reason assignment which took him within the walls of a women's prison, and how the experience led him to question his own preconceived notions about the drug war and involuntary incarceration for drug users.

His funny, outrageous and often introspective anthology of Reason cartoon journalism, "Everyone is Stupid Except Me (And Other Astute Observations)" is available from Fantagraphics.

Shot by Alexander Manning. Interview by Nick Gillespie. Edited by Anthony L. Fisher.

About 5 minutes.

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• Category

  News & Politics

[Ray Tat]

"You arrogant son of a BITCH! I am no bible thumping Christian. The only time that I step into a church is for formal events like funerals and weddings that I attend."

LOL this conversation is like something out of a Peter Bagge comic or something.

[420xHustlerxB0SS]

I'd still say he's a right-winger as he believes in the inherent legitimacy of economic authority.

[Ted Cantu]

BAGGE -- Good lord. I met him in the 90's or should I say, he met me. It was brief because I didnt have big tits or blonde hair for that matter. I still like his work of course but not lets just say not as much as I used to. Meeting him face to face was a major disappointment. He was the worst celebrity I ever met. What can you say about a guy who blows off his biggest fans? This guy is a total dick head in real life. A lot of artists are dickheads I suppose. Talented or not you decide...

[Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling]

I'm definitely a fan of Peters work from a cartoonists standpoint. I respect the honesty and integrity if it. The guy is definitely not a poser, has a great work ethic, and has created room ifor himself in a very competitive industry. His wield view obviously is a driving force in his work, and fuels his passion. This is one intangible that soooo any beginner cartoonists miss. You can't just tell bath room jokes" forever and expect to have longevity. You gotta choose a point of view and stick w

[Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling]

I don't subscribe to Bagges political views but as an editorial Cartoonist myself for The Wave Newspaper in Far ROCKAWAY NY, Ithe term cartoon journalist" resonates with e. Most people talk about their political social views anyway we as cartoons have the advantage of drawing our ideas.

[TwentyDevils]

no homo, but i LOVE peter bagge.

[Greg Dewar]

I've been buying his comics since 1989 and hope to do so for another 20 years. Dude is awesome.

[KayCris1128]

Ron Paul y'all, lets see some real change. 

[Renfro1982]

Great video! BTW is that Joe Sacco on Pete's left at 2:19?

[trueorbetter]

Hell, I'm all for freedom. And I agree with a lot of points Bagge made in this interview. Not all of them, though. I do object to the Libertarian Party, which believes in deëmphasizing federal spending on infrastructure, as well as wrecking our social safety programs.

Besides, Pete: I remember your calling yourself a right-winger back in the 1990s. I imagine a lot of people remember that. I sure do. Anyway, thanks for Hate--and thanks for printing my letter way back when!